Pak misdeed to affect relations, says MP

The killing of five Indian soldiers by the Pakistanis on the Line of Control (LOC) in Poonch sector a few days ago would affect normal India-Pakistan relations deeply, former union minister for justice and law Ashwani Kumar has said.

The killing of five Indian soldiers by the Pakistanis on the Line of Control (LOC) in Poonch sector a few days ago would affect normal India-Pakistan relations deeply, former union minister for justice and law Ashwani Kumar has said.

India was very much in a capacity to retaliate but it would advise the Pakistan government to prevent its army's crimes, the member of the Rajya Sabha from Punjab said on Saturday during a press conference at his house here. "Cordial relations between the two countries cannot continue as long as the Pakistan army does not curb its unprovoked violence against the Indian army," the MP added.

The government would ponder over what Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on the killing of Indian soldiers, said Kumar. Sharif had said he was sad over the incident. "India is reacting in ways other than declaring war against the neighbouring country," said Kumar, hoping that the ongoing process of improving bilateral relations would continue.

Commenting on the suspension of India Administrative Service (IAS) officer Durga Shakti Nagpal, Kumar said that it was a dangerous development if some states suppressed honest officers instead of giving them protection. "The Opposition's stalling Parliament on different issues also is not a healthy sign. Public-welfare bills such as the one on food security should be passed without delay," he added.

All major works in Punjab

Centre-sponsored: Kumar

On the financial health of Punjab, MP Ashwani Kumar said the almost-bankrupt state was surviving on Centre's assistance. "All major projects underway in the state are Centre-sponsored and the Congress-led union government has released 19% more money this year for Punjab, yet the state government continues to terrorise the Congress workers," he said. Nearly 80 sarpanches supported by the Congress were elected in Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts in the last elections. On Saturday, the MP honoured them at his house.